HEAR A POP OR CLICK IN YOUR JAW? WATCH OUT FOR TMJ PROBLEMS

✅ This article is professionally reviewed by Specialist Level 1 Doctor Bui Xuan Dat - Dental Specialty at CarePlus International Clinics. 

Have you ever heard a strange “click” from your jaw when yawning or simply opening your mouth to talk? 

⚡ Many young adults aged 20–35 consider it normal. In reality, it could be a warning sign of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) – a condition that is becoming increasingly common. Let’s explore it in detail with CarePlus! 

1️⃣ Why does the jaw make a clicking sound when opening the mouth? 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located on both sides of the head, just in front of the ears, connecting the lower jaw to the temporal bone. This joint rotates or moves forward and backward, side to side, to support normal functions such as chewing, swallowing, talking, and yawning. When the joint or its disc is misaligned, it produces a “click” sound with every movement. 

Common risk factors for TMD include: 

🔹 Genetic factors affecting jaw structure or function, leading to misalignment of the TMJ. 

🔹 Teeth grinding (bruxism). 

🔹 Unhealthy eating habits (chewing on one side or frequently eating hard or tough foods). 

🔹 Uneven jaws, misaligned teeth, gaps, or missing teeth. 

According to PubMed Central from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the global prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is 34%, with adults aged 18 to 60 being the most susceptible. 

2️⃣ Is jaw clicking dangerous? 

A brief “click” may not be concerning, but if it is accompanied by the following symptoms, you should see a maxillofacial specialist as soon as possible: 

🔹 Fatigue or pain in the jaw muscles, especially when opening or closing the mouth 

🔹 Difficulty opening the mouth due to stiffness in the jaw joint 

🔹 Pain in front of or inside the ear 

🔹 Pain or tension in the temples and neck-shoulder muscles 

🔹 Headaches on one side 

3️⃣ Treatment options for temporomandibular disorder 

At CarePlus, doctors perform a thorough examination and TMJ imaging to accurately identify the cause of jaw clicking, and then provide appropriate treatment solutions. Common treatments for TMD include medication, physical therapy, occlusal splints, or orthodontics. 

✅ Occlusal splints: These are hard resin devices worn at night, custom-designed for each patient. The splint keeps the upper and lower jaws apart. When worn, the lower jaw contacts a flat surface that guides jaw movements during sleep, reducing muscle strain from teeth grinding and alleviating joint pain. 

✅ Orthodontics: After stabilizing joint pain with a splint, aligning the teeth into the correct bite can prevent future jaw discomfort. This method corrects misaligned, crowded, or improperly positioned teeth. Properly planned orthodontic treatment for patients with TMD requires careful consultation and coordination among specialists to ensure safe and effective outcomes. 

✨ At CarePlus, our team of experienced maxillofacial doctors with international training is ready to accompany you in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular disorders. 

👉 Message our fanpage or contact our free hotline 1800 6116 to book your appointment today.